Survey: The Ultimate Road Trip Vehicle

[CodeRedR51]

So here's something I have been thinking about for a while. If I were to ever win the lottery with a multi-million dollar prize, I would take an epic road trip around the country. Up the west coast, across the northern states, down the east coast and back across the southern states. Of course I would hit as many national parks as possible, and take my time by staying in many locations for weeks at a time.

Anyway, to go on this road trip, I would need a vehicle that's comfortable, fairly good on gas, sporty with good handling and some power, and although I prefer a manual transmission, I think a dual clutch auto would be my preferred transmission for the trip. It would also need to have some cargo room to carry my stuff, and obviously be fairly reliable. After thinking about it for a while, I've come to the conclusion that the best vehicle for my epic road trip would be:

Yes, as a multi-millionare I would buy a Golf.

If you were to go on the same road trip, what would you choose?

 

[xXKingJoshXx]

Although if I had to meet your criteria, it would probably be this:



Although I'm not too sure how good the luggage space is. Everything else should check out though.

 

[Wolfe]

I already drive something that's comfortable, fairly good on gas, competent around corners, and has a manual transmission, with room for the wife, the dog, and luggage. But for the sake of the question I wouldn't mind something a little smaller and sportier, like my old BMW.

How about a cross between the two? I would adore a BMW E30 Touring. The M20 would provide a bit more grunt in higher altitudes than the Subaru, while making the best soundtrack throughout the trip. Some all-weather capability would be sacrificed, but depending on when and where you go that may be inconsequential. I just wish I could get back into an E30 again.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

I'd either get a Bentley Brooklands or Continental GT Speed. Such large, comfortable cars with wonderful power.

 

[Danny]

Absolutely zero contest for me.

 

[Tornado]

There. Sorted. I'll tow one of these with it:

 

[Slash]

I'm torn. I would love my favorite body style Mustang but the fat boys ride a lot smoother. As far as a manual or auto, I'd probably take an automatic. Or convert the car to a select shift transmission so it's kind of manual when I want it and auto when I don't. Don't need a big block, a small block V8 will do for me o go easy on the gas mileage, which it gets roughly 12-14. Plus it has enough room for my girlfriend and 2 other people.

I'd probably take this. Besides the fact that I've always wanted this model in a convertible.

Though I would like this color combo

 

[Luminis]

Why would the car need to be good on gas? You're rich, just buy more. Why does it need to have lots of cargo space? You're rich, buy new clothes. Why does it have to be reliable? You're rich, just pay the repair bills

Anyway, a road trip should be memorable 'n stuff, so I'd rather take a right that I'll remember for years to come. Something like one of these, maybe:

Photoshopped colour on the Z. It's black originally, but I can't find a picture of it.

You get the idea

 

[Conbon14]

That datsun 👍 so nice.

 

[Slash]

@Luminus

Just for you:

 

[CodeRedR51]

Why would the car need to be good on gas? You're rich, just buy more. Why does it need to have lots of cargo space? You're rich, buy new clothes. Why does it have to be reliable? You're rich, just pay the repair bills

Just because you're rich doesn't mean you have to spend all the money.

I think the most expensive car I would buy would be a GT-R, anything more than that is just a waste to me. In any case, my pick is better than the Mustangs up there.

 

[Slash]

In any case, my pick is better than the Mustangs up there.

Maybe in your mind

 

[Joel]

Ultimate road trip vehicle if I was rich would be something like a Bentley Continental GT, or an Aston Martin of some sort.

I also see the draw of a Golf, I love taking my mom's on road trips.

 

[Tornado]

Wow. The fat Mustangs actually don't look so oversized when you take the top off.


Scary how much they have in common with the current Camaro.

 

[Slash]

Wow. The fat Mustangs actually don't look so oversized when you take the top off.


Scary how much they have in common with the current Camaro.

I know, they look a lot smaller without the fastback. They look smaller with a regular hard top on them too. My neighbor has a '71 Coupe and it looks a lot smaller than the fastbacks I see in town. I've always had a soft spot for the convertible versions of these cars but I like them all.

 

[Dean]

If I won a million dollars probably this:

 

[Murcie_LP640]

I'd definitely take a new SL63 AMG.

Just a suggestion, what about a more finite budget?

 

[homeforsummer]

Great concept for a thread, and the idea of the perfect road trip vehicle really resonates with me as road trips are by far and away my favourite aspect of everything automotive.

First, I'm basing this on where I have most experience, which is the UK and Europe. I might choose something different for the U.S.

For me, it has to be something characterful. That doesn't even necessarily mean "good" - one of the best road trips I've ever done was driving from the UK to the south of Spain in a battered old Citroen ZX diesel estate in a banger rally. Not anyone's first choice, but it plodded along all day at 70, actually handled quite nicely even with four blokes on board and a bunch of luggage and spares, and was covered in stickers and sharpie messages. That car had a soul, unlikely as it sounds. Was quite sad when we got back to the UK to find one of the suspension turrets was snapping and the whole car had to be scrapped...

In a perfect world, Luminis has pretty much picked my choices - something like an old 911 or a 240Z would be ideal. Stylish, more involving than something modern but something you'd not be afraid to go a distance in. They'd handle nicely on alpine roads too (any self-respecting European road trip has to cut through the Alps at some point...).

On a tight budget? An early Miata.

In the U.S? Has to be a pony car. Though even there, the draw of a Miata/240Z/911 would be strong for that combination of distance, good looks and fun on the inevitable twisty roads.

 

[Luminis]

@Luminus

Just for you:

 

[Slash]

👍

Err...

*listens to Slashfan's video again*

Naw.

Although I much prefer this type of idle:

Fast forward to 2:52

 

[TheBook]

Much as I would love a 911 (take a 996 or 997 for reliability's sake), and as well as it would probably work, I'd look really long and hard at an E46 M3.

 

[RocZX]

I would go with the...........

SVT Raptor

and

CTS-V Sportwagon

They are both fun to drive(on and off road for the Raptor), both are sporty and have good amount of power and alot of cargo space for stuff.

 

[Roo]

Something like this...

...towing one of these:

(That's a Miata rather than an MX5, obviously, and I'd rather have my own One Ten rather than that Defender, but you get the idea.)

 

[MedigoFlame]

For me, I'd say the Audi RS4 Avant, personally, I'd take the B7. But the current generation also works for me. Wagons rule.

Or a Spec.B wagon.

 

[Joey D]

Money and time no objective? Tesla Model S once they get the supercharging stations up and running. It's going to be very quite, comfortable, easy to drive, and relaxing. Plus it look really elegant so it'll fit in in just about any city and people won't harass you because you aren't driving a Pirus.

Assuming the charging infrastructure isn't up and running yet though, a Maserati Granturismo convertible. It's a GT car so in theory it should be decent enough to drive for long periods of time, it has an awesome soundtrack, and really looks the part where ever it goes.

Realistically the Volvo V70R, it's going to have a ton of room, plus it's going to be fun with AWD and 300hp. They are also really comfortable to ride around in and no one is going to mess with you because they just assume you're some guy in a station wagon.

 

[CodeRedR51]

^^^ He gets it.

I think a few people in here are forgetting that I said this would be a LONG road trip. Around the whole country. Would take many, many months. I think some of these cars would get rather tiring after a few weeks.

 

[Doog]

I found this to be a pretty competent roadtrip vehicle. Comfortable, quiet, air conditioned or heated seats, and cruise control that handles braking and gets back up to speed for you. All you have to worry about is what direction you're pointed in. 23 miles per gallon at 80 mph is...alright, but the tank will last over 450 miles which is respectable. 10/10, would roadtrip in it again. Wouldn't even have to spend any money besides gas.

 

[LP670-4 SV]

It's an automatic, probably the most comfortable car you can get for what it can do, has proven it'self a hyper GT car.... and can go 207mph

Supposedely car was driving from Germany to the Arctic Circle, did it's cold weather testing and then driven bloody back, hell Jeremy Clakrson drove the damn thing 18+ hours straight with zero fuss from the car

or if I really feeling the need to force the practicality issue for space and/or hooning in inclement weather... this

 

[Pagey279]

I think I would probably go for a wagon, there's a few I would choose from. The above mentioned Volvo V70R and Subaru Legacy, or the Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4:

Or a Stagea:

All of which are comfortable, quick, fun to drive, very spacious, rare etc. More wagons I would consider, Audi RS4/RS6, BMW M5 Touring.

Or I would go for a Range Rover:

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

This, with a few more of the usual Range Rover comforts fitted. Maybe a roof tent for those nights that I fancy sleeping out, and a bike rack for a supermoto or something.